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What Causes High Serum Iron?
Question: Hello, I just received notification that the iron in my blood has been very high for almost a year, I have had several blood tests, the last was yesterday. My primary Physician is referring me to a Hematologist\Oncologist I'm just wondering what the possibilities are? I had a dna test for Hemochromatosis about 6 months ago, it was negative.
Brief Answer:
Non-HFEl hemochromotosis,iron toxicity,blood transfusions are possibilities
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
High serum iron for over a year raises the possibility of hemochromatosis.
Hemochromatosis occurs most commonly due to mutation of HFE gene, however, there are other mutations besides HFE gene mutation responsible for hemochromatosis. This type of hemochromatosis is called non-classical hemochromatosis.
Thus, those genes also need to examined.
Besides hemochromatosis, other common cause of high serum iron are iron supplements. Iron supplements can cause iron toxicity or iron poisoning.
In case of multiple blood transfusions, iron overload can occur.
Any cause leading to continuous hemolysis can lead to high serum iron.
Please ensure that an of the above mentioned risk factor is present or not.
If any of the risk factor is present then it can be a cause of high serum iron.
For further work up, you will need to consult a hematologist.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Non-HFEl hemochromotosis,iron toxicity,blood transfusions are possibilities
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
High serum iron for over a year raises the possibility of hemochromatosis.
Hemochromatosis occurs most commonly due to mutation of HFE gene, however, there are other mutations besides HFE gene mutation responsible for hemochromatosis. This type of hemochromatosis is called non-classical hemochromatosis.
Thus, those genes also need to examined.
Besides hemochromatosis, other common cause of high serum iron are iron supplements. Iron supplements can cause iron toxicity or iron poisoning.
In case of multiple blood transfusions, iron overload can occur.
Any cause leading to continuous hemolysis can lead to high serum iron.
Please ensure that an of the above mentioned risk factor is present or not.
If any of the risk factor is present then it can be a cause of high serum iron.
For further work up, you will need to consult a hematologist.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
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